It could have easily been a forgettable month of March in Malaysia if not for a natural casing controversy that shook the nation. Everybody from the Department of Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM) to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has shed light on the matter.
However, things look as if they will be reaching their denouement with the introduction of the Halal training college set to open this June in Ipoh, Perak. Nordin Abdul Malek, CEO of Halal Training College Malaysia (HTCM), shares his views on the necessity to create such a college in Malaysia.
Why does Malaysia need a Halal college?
Malaysia has a potential to become a leader in Halal products. We have been internationally recognised as one of the countries with a world-class Halal certification. However, I believe it is also important to deliver the Halal knowledge and awareness to non-Muslims since 80 per cent of Halal certifications issued by JAKIM are owned by them. The main issue contributing to this problem is not only the misuse of [JAKIM’s] Halal logo, but also the lack of understanding of Halal procedures. It is essential for non-Muslims to know about shariah law too.
Who are behind this college?
We formed a consortium last September consisting of three private education institutions, namely Kolej Negeri, Institut Skill Tech and Lada Perdana Training College. The idea came about as we realised the lack of manpower in government institutions to monitor [the Halal industry development].
Prior to that, we had a few discussions with JAKIM, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs on solutions to the problem. We came to a conclusion that it was paramount to combine a few technical and professional colleges to assist the government and to guide Halal food manufacturers.
There seems to be a trend amongst state governments to promote their states as Halal hub. With the conclusion of HTCM, is Perak aiming a slice of the Halal market pie too?
HTCM was initially in the Perak Halal Hub Master Plan. I would say that the college is one of the components to promote the state as a Halal hub. Apart from the college, an industrial zone will also be developed for the hub, complete with a residential area for workers on 5,000 acres of land.
In terms of location, Perak too has a very bight and broad potential to become a Halal hub in Malaysia. It is not only one of the biggest states in Malaysia, it is also rich in natural resources such as palm oil and rubber. In terms of other facilities, Perak has its Lumut Port, which is nearby to Port Klang.
Who will be conducting your courses?
It depend pretty much on the courses offered. Inevitably, some of the courses will be conducted by experienced teachers in religious studies. Some will be taught by those, who are directly involved in Halal technicalities like Department of Veterinary Services. Participants will be in the good hands of people, who are knowledgeable in Halal procedures – be it in terms of servicing, manufacturing or hygiene.
So it is no necessarily a religious college?
Yes, not necessarily. We still have to follow Islamic rules and guidelines, but our focus is more on the development of human resources in the Halal sector.
How involved is JAKIM in HCTM?
JAKIM has decided that attendance to the college will be made compulsory to companies holding its Halal logo. Each company will be sending two representatives. Each of them will be required to understand what Halal standard is all about. As far as the module is concerned, 80 per cent of it will come from JAKIM and the remaining from us.
What do you expect HCTM to become?
I hope that we are going to treat Halal issue seriously with formal education and contribute to the world with a Halal education programme.
**This article was first published in The Halal Journal May/Jun 2005 edition.
